What should I look for in a used CNC vertical mill?

Look at X, Y, and Z travels, table size, spindle taper, spindle speed, horsepower, control type, tool changer capacity, coolant options, chip management, probing, and 4th-axis readiness. The machine should fit your parts, tooling, operators, and available floor space.

What is the difference between a CNC vertical mill and a VMC?

A VMC, or vertical machining center, is a CNC vertical mill with an enclosed machining area, automatic tool changer, and production-oriented control. Many buyers use the terms together, but VMC usually points to a machining center built for repeatable CNC milling work.

Is a 5-axis vertical mill better than a standard VMC?

A 5-axis vertical mill is better when parts need complex angles, fewer setups, or better access to multiple sides of the part. A standard VMC may be the better choice for simpler work, training, general milling, and jobs where 5-axis capability would sit unused.

Should I buy a used vertical mill or a used horizontal machining center?

Choose a used vertical mill for flexible milling, easier setup access, and a broad mix of work. Choose a horizontal machining center when production volume, pallet systems, chip evacuation, and multi-side repeatability matter more than open access to the work area.

FANUC Robodrill Alpha D21LiA5 - 2013 Used FANUC For Sale

Name: FANUC Robodrill Alpha D21LiA5 - 2013 Used FANUC For Sale
Brand: Fanuc
Availability: InStock

Fanuc Robodrill D21LiA5 Two Machines & Fanuc M20iA Robot Pallet Machining Cell

Specifications (subject to buyer verification):

Pallet Size 33.5″ x 16.1″

Table Capacity 660 lbs

X Axis Travel 27.6″

Y Axis Travel 15.7″

Z Axis Travel 13″

Spindle to Table 5.9” – 18.9”

Spindle Speed 10,000 / 24,000 RPM ???

Taper 30

Rapid Traverse Rate (X,Y,Z) 2125 IPM

Tool Positions 21

Chip to Chip Change Time 1.6 sec

Max Tool Length / Diameter 9.8” / 3.14”

Machine Size 84” x 95” x 88”

Machine Weight 4,620 lbs

Equipped With (subject to buyer verification):

Fanuc Series 31i-B5

1-Fanuc M20iA Robot

Royal FX900 Mist Collector

ChipBlaster D30-70 High Pressure Coolant

Cell contains 2 Fanuc Alpha-D21LiA5 RoboDrills , 1 Fanuc M20iA robot (F139741), 2 Royal FX900 mist collectors, 2 ChipBlaster D30-70 High Pressure Units, PLC, HMI, pallet frame, and machining pallets.

Machining pallets are hand loaded by an operator.

Operator uses a special torque wrench that is connected to the Torque Monitor to verify the parts are torqued to spec before letting the robot to pick up the pallet.

Pallets are identified by a series of proximity switches and steel inserts to very the pallet matches the pallets the machine program is running (example in Pallet Identification photo.

If these items are verified the robot will pick up the pallet using ball lock grippers when the operator clears the light curtain and activates the operator switch by swiping their finger on it.

Robot loads the pallet in the machine (right side pallets go to MV-17 and left side pallets go to MV-18 when looking from loading station).

The pallet is clamped in the machine using air clamps.

If finished pallet is in the machine, the DDR will rotate the finished pallet to the top so the robot can pick from the machine.

The machine unclamps the finished pallet and robot picks the pallet using the ball lock grippers then exits the machine.

Once the robot has exited the robot door closes and the machine starts machining.

The robot sets the finished pallet on the load station for the operator to unload and reload.

Fanuc Robodrill D21LiA5 Pallet Cell – 2019

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